Six individuals are currently detained in police cells in Mutaho, a commune and province of Gitega, Burundi, in connection with an ongoing investigation. Their detention follows a recent incident that has prompted authorities to explore multiple angles, specifically a house fire on colline Nyangungu. The head of the hill indicated that the witchcraft angle is at the heart of the investigations into the circumstances surrounding the event. The six individuals were transported to the police cells in Mutaho as part of the inquiry, where they remain in custody.
Fire Destroys Home, Injures Resident
A house owned by Salvator Makobe, 76, was destroyed by a fire during the night of September 12 on the colline Nyangungu. The blaze consumed all possessions inside the residence, leaving the property completely ravaged. Salvator Makobe's wife, Concesse Nizigiyimana, sustained serious injuries in the incident and was transported to Mutaho hospital for urgent medical treatment. Authorities have stated that the precise circumstances surrounding the fire are not yet known, leading to a full inquiry. The investigation into the cause of the fire and the subsequent injuries is ongoing as part of the broader inquiry that has led to six detentions in Mutaho. The destruction of the home and the injuries to Ms. Nizigiyimana form the core of the incident under investigation.
Suspects Arrested on Nyangungu Hill
Six individuals were taken into custody on Sunday, September 13, directly from their homes on the colline Nyangungu. The arrested suspects have been identified as Richard Ndayikeza, 28; Jimmy Nduwimana, 43; Hilaire Ntahombaye, 45; Édouard Nzambimana, 45; Fabrice Nimpagaritse, 33; and Léonard Nzeyimana, 36. Élie Hategekimana, who serves as the head of the colline Nyangungu, confirmed the arrests, noting that the individuals were apprehended at their residences. Following their arrest, they were promptly taken to the police cells in Mutaho. The individuals are currently being held in police cells in Mutaho as part of the ongoing investigation into a house fire that occurred on September 12, which devastated the home of Salvator Makobe and injured his wife.
Witchcraft Focus of Inquiry
The six detentions are directly linked to an investigation into a recent incident that occurred on Nyangungu hill, according to local authorities. While the specific nature of the incident has not been fully detailed by officials, preliminary inquiries are reportedly focusing on the potential role of witchcraft. Élie Hategekimana, the head of the colline Nyangungu, confirmed the arrests and indicated that the witchcraft angle is central to the ongoing investigation. This line of inquiry is actively being pursued by authorities as they seek to understand the events of September 12. The individuals apprehended were taken from their homes on Nyangungu hill and subsequently transported to police cells in Mutaho for further questioning. Authorities have not yet released details regarding what evidence led to this particular line of inquiry, or how it connects to the fire that destroyed the Makobe residence.
Official Conclusions Pending
No official conclusions have been communicated regarding the causes of the fire that destroyed Salvator Makobe's home on colline Nyangungu or the specific involvement of the six arrested individuals. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities focusing on various aspects, including a potential witchcraft angle, as they work to establish the full sequence of events. The six suspects, identified as Richard Ndayikeza, Jimmy Nduwimana, Hilaire Ntahombaye, Édouard Nzambimana, Fabrice Nimpagaritse, and Léonard Nzeyimana, are currently detained in police cells in Mutaho, commune and province of Gitega, Burundi. Further details regarding the preliminary findings or any formal charges have not yet been released by Burundian authorities, as the inquiry continues.
